I am a brand-new student, and I just received an instructional video that says that receptacles should be installed with the ground "hole" at the TOP! I have only seen this in residences once or twice and everyone seems to think the electrician did this mistakenly when they see it. It does not seem to be standard practice, but my instructor says he always does it this way. Any input would be appreciated.
Installing Receptacles
- Thread starter quirky23
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Re: Installing Receptacles
Don't worry about the orientation of the equipment ground. Its not a code rule. Install the receptacle sideways or in a floor box.
By the way what video was it?
Don't worry about the orientation of the equipment ground. Its not a code rule. Install the receptacle sideways or in a floor box.
By the way what video was it?
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Re: Installing Receptacles
There is no code requirement to orient the receptacle any particular way. So you can install it ground up, ground down, sideways etc. Some will argue that ground up is safer for various reasons but it isn't a code requirement. I just happen to think that the ground down looks better.
There is no code requirement to orient the receptacle any particular way. So you can install it ground up, ground down, sideways etc. Some will argue that ground up is safer for various reasons but it isn't a code requirement. I just happen to think that the ground down looks better.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Re: Installing Receptacles
This post will self destruct if it exceeds 100 replies.
This post will self destruct if it exceeds 100 replies.
milwaukeesteve
Senior Member
- Location
- Milwaukee, WI
Re: Installing Receptacles
Everyone loves this question. I don't know if there is a true answer.
First, if you look at all of the printing on the device, it is printed so it reads with the ground UP.
Second, when installed vertically (most applications), if something were to fall onto the blades from above, the first point to contact would be the ground prong.
There is a reason why the ground prong on a device is longer than the other prongs (on a standard 120V plug), to make contact first.
The reason for ground up may be along the same lines, but I don't know. This is something I have picked up through the years, but may be mumbo jumbo.
Everyone loves this question. I don't know if there is a true answer.
First, if you look at all of the printing on the device, it is printed so it reads with the ground UP.
Second, when installed vertically (most applications), if something were to fall onto the blades from above, the first point to contact would be the ground prong.
There is a reason why the ground prong on a device is longer than the other prongs (on a standard 120V plug), to make contact first.
The reason for ground up may be along the same lines, but I don't know. This is something I have picked up through the years, but may be mumbo jumbo.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Re: Installing Receptacles
Once again, I discovered the easiest solution to this problem is to remove all recepacles and use candles and gas lamps instead.
Once again, I discovered the easiest solution to this problem is to remove all recepacles and use candles and gas lamps instead.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Installing Receptacles
I think I will. But I would like to give the originator a chance to answer this question:
May I beg for a moratorium on all posts other than a response to this question? This thread needs a quick and painless departure from the land of the living.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Occupation
- Massachusetts Master Electrician, one man show.
Re: Installing Receptacles
Originally posted by 69boss302:
Tom, you didn't just challenge all these guys to drive up the count on this thread did you
Re: Installing Receptacles
Ground pin up is merely a convention that applies only to hospitals and recreational vehicle parks. Indeed, most refrigerators and room air conditioners are built with ground pin down plugs - installing the receptacle ground pin up would require a 180 degree bend which will break wires strands over time and most definitely **WILL** cause a fire. A broken wire strand can also work its way to the surface or another conductor causing an electrocution or short circuit respectively.
If the plug is partly out of the receptacle there will either be overheating because of insufficient contact or an open circuit. The falling on the ground pin first concept is pure B.S. and is about equivalent to giving a sick child a cole water enema to control a fever.
Ground pin up is merely a convention that applies only to hospitals and recreational vehicle parks. Indeed, most refrigerators and room air conditioners are built with ground pin down plugs - installing the receptacle ground pin up would require a 180 degree bend which will break wires strands over time and most definitely **WILL** cause a fire. A broken wire strand can also work its way to the surface or another conductor causing an electrocution or short circuit respectively.
If the plug is partly out of the receptacle there will either be overheating because of insufficient contact or an open circuit. The falling on the ground pin first concept is pure B.S. and is about equivalent to giving a sick child a cole water enema to control a fever.
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